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FlightSim Community Survey 2020
Final Report
2
Copyright Notice
© 2020 Navigraph
By licensing our work with the CC BY‐SA 4.0 license it means that you are more than welcome to
copy, remix, transform and build upon the results of this survey and then redistribute it to whomever
you want in any way.
You only have to give credit back to Navigraph and keep the same license.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by‐sa/4.0/
3
Preamble For the third consecutive year I am happy to present the annual flightsim community survey. This
report is the result of a collaborative effort between survey partners ‐ developers, companies,
organizations and media outlets in the flightsim community. Navigraph’s role is to organize, design
and compile the survey and make the results freely available for the common good of the flightsim
community to guide future projects and ultimately to attract new pilots.
This flightsim community survey is the largest and most comprehensive of its kind. 2020 an amazing
23,500 respondents participated in the survey! This is a 32% increase from last year when 17,800
respondents participated! Moreover, the reach has also increased this year. Last year 40% of the
survey respondents had not taken the survey before. This year 60% of the respondents were
newcomers! The survey is growing!
In last year’s meta analysis of the survey we could see that respondents were comfortable with the
amount of questions, and that many pilots quite enjoyed the tour of the community, so we decided
to extend the survey from 93 to 119 questions this year. Some questions were of course removed,
and we also implemented more conditional questions to keep the survey relevant to each
respondent. What did the new questions cover? Well, as usual we try to cover current events and the
trends of the past year.
This year’s survey is a particularly interesting one because it reflects an important year which has
been in many parts eventful yet paradoxically also exceptionally uneventful.
It was eventful in the sense that Laminar Research released X‐Plane 11.50; Lockheed Martin released
Prepar3D v5; and Microsoft launched Flight Simulator. Just like previous years the survey contains a
question measuring the most popular simulator platform, but also includes questions to track
movements between platforms in the past year. Did the Microsoft Flight Simulator platform become
as popular as anticipated? Where did the new users from? Those are some of the questions you’ll be
able to answer by reading this survey.
The year was also uneventful in the sense that many parts of the world was under a lockdown due to
Covid‐19. Therefore we ask some questions whether respondents’ flight simulation habits have
changed because of Covid‐19. We also ask if respondents employment situation has changed,
assuming this will affect the amount of time and money pilots will be able to spend on their hobby.
The survey also includes a quite deep dive into Virtual Reality, graphics cards, gaming, consoles, and
much more. We are surprised how many pilots wear polarized sunglasses while flying their simulator
– in doors. By “we” I mean the survey team here at Navigraph ‐ Andreas Goodholm, Malin Söderlund,
Stephen O’Connell, and myself ‐ who have been working on organizing, designing, and compiling this
survey. It’s been hard work, but also fun and interesting. We hope you enjoy reading it!
Magnus Axholt CEO & Co‐Founder
4
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 8
1.1. Partners ........................................................................................................................................ 8
1.2. Purpose and Target Audience ...................................................................................................... 9
1.3. Data Protection ............................................................................................................................ 9
1.4. Previous Work .............................................................................................................................. 9
2. Method .............................................................................................................................................. 11
3. Analysis .............................................................................................................................................. 12
3.1. Respondents ............................................................................................................................... 12
3.2. Demographics ............................................................................................................................. 13
3.2.1. Age ....................................................................................................................................... 13
3.2.2. Gender ................................................................................................................................. 14
3.2.3. Employment Status ............................................................................................................. 15
3.2.4. Covid‐19 Employment Effect ............................................................................................... 16
3.2.5. Country ................................................................................................................................ 17
3.2.6. Education ............................................................................................................................. 18
3.2.7. Income ................................................................................................................................. 19
3.2.8. Gaming Interest ................................................................................................................... 20
3.3. Relation to Aviation .................................................................................................................... 21
3.3.1. Work .................................................................................................................................... 21
3.3.2. Pilot License ......................................................................................................................... 22
3.3.3. Simulation in Relation to Aviation ....................................................................................... 23
3.3.4. Flight School Enrollment ..................................................................................................... 24
3.3.5. Flight Lesson Consideration................................................................................................. 25
3.4. Simulator Habits ‐ Combat ......................................................................................................... 26
3.4.1. Combat Simulation Interest ................................................................................................ 26
3.4.2. Combat Simulator Preference ............................................................................................. 27
3.5. Simulator Habits ‐ Mobile ........................................................................................................... 28
3.5.1. Mobile Simulation Interest .................................................................................................. 28
3.5.2. Mobile Simulator Preference .............................................................................................. 29
3.5.3. Mobile Simulator Feature Importance ................................................................................ 30
3.5.4. Mobile Simulator Device ..................................................................................................... 31
3.6. Simulator Habits ‐ Air Traffic Control ......................................................................................... 32
3.6.1. ATC Simulation Interest ....................................................................................................... 32
5
3.6.2 Reasons for not operating as an ATC ................................................................................... 33
3.6.3. Discontinued ATC activity .................................................................................................... 34
3.6.4. ATC Simulation Usage ......................................................................................................... 35
3.6.5. ATC Simulation Factor Importance ..................................................................................... 36
3.7. Simulator Habits – General ........................................................................................................ 37
3.7.1. Aircraft Types ...................................................................................................................... 37
3.7.2. Usage ................................................................................................................................... 38
3.7.3. Returning to Flight Simulation............................................................................................. 39
3.7.4. Covid‐19 ............................................................................................................................... 40
3.7.5. Roles .................................................................................................................................... 41
3.7.6. Platforms ............................................................................................................................. 42
3.7.7. Purpose ................................................................................................................................ 43
3.7.8. Flight Rules .......................................................................................................................... 44
3.7.9. ATC ...................................................................................................................................... 45
3.7.10. Flight Procedures ............................................................................................................... 46
3.8. Consumption Habits ................................................................................................................... 47
3.8.1. Software Expenses .............................................................................................................. 47
3.8.2. Hardware Expenses ............................................................................................................. 48
3.8.3. Preferred Online Stores ....................................................................................................... 49
3.8.4. Freeware Versus Payware ................................................................................................... 50
3.9. Community ................................................................................................................................. 51
3.9.1. Conferences ......................................................................................................................... 51
3.9.2. Online conferences .............................................................................................................. 52
3.9.3. Contribution ........................................................................................................................ 53
3.9.4. Communication Platforms ................................................................................................... 55
3.9.5. Virtual Airline Membership ................................................................................................. 56
3.9.6. Online Flying ........................................................................................................................ 57
3.9.7. Online Network Preference ................................................................................................. 58
3.9.8. Important Factors for Joining Online Networks .................................................................. 59
3.9.9. ATC Importance on Routing ................................................................................................ 60
3.9.10. Reasons for Not Flying Online ........................................................................................... 61
3.10. Simulator Platform ................................................................................................................... 62
3.10.1. Simulator Software ............................................................................................................ 62
3.10.2. Simulator Software Change ............................................................................................... 63
3.10.3. Computer ........................................................................................................................... 65
3.10.4. Operating System .............................................................................................................. 66
6
3.10.5. Graphics Card Usage ......................................................................................................... 67
3.10.6. Graphics Card Drivers ........................................................................................................ 69
3.10.7. VRAM Storage ................................................................................................................... 70
3.10.8. X‐Plane 11.50 Vulkan/Metal Usage ................................................................................... 71
3.10.9. Xbox Consoles.................................................................................................................... 72
3.10.10. Console Activity ............................................................................................................... 73
3.10.11. Console Controller ........................................................................................................... 74
3.10.12. Internet Connection Speed ............................................................................................. 75
3.10.13. Auxiliary Systems ............................................................................................................. 76
3.10.14. Qualified Training Device ................................................................................................ 77
3.11. Virtual Reality ........................................................................................................................... 78
3.11.1. Ownership ......................................................................................................................... 78
3.11.2. Brand ................................................................................................................................. 79
3.11.3. VR Simulator Software ...................................................................................................... 80
3.11.4. VR Session Duration .......................................................................................................... 81
3.11.5. VR Views ............................................................................................................................ 82
3.11.6. Motion Sickness ................................................................................................................. 83
3.11.7. IPD Awareness ................................................................................................................... 84
3.11.8. VR Controls ........................................................................................................................ 85
3.11.9. VR Flight Types .................................................................................................................. 86
3.11.10. VR vs Desktop Flying ........................................................................................................ 87
3.11.11. VR Desktop Switch ........................................................................................................... 88
3.11.12. VR Launch Method .......................................................................................................... 89
3.11.13. VR Desirable Factors ........................................................................................................ 90
3.11.14. VR Plugins/Mods ............................................................................................................. 91
3.12. Addons in General .................................................................................................................... 92
3.12.1. Addon Type Importance .................................................................................................... 92
3.12.2. Addon Purchase Influences ............................................................................................... 93
3.13. Aircraft Addons ......................................................................................................................... 94
3.13.1. Aircraft Feature Importance .............................................................................................. 94
3.14. Scenery and Weather ............................................................................................................... 95
3.14.1. Scenery Importance .......................................................................................................... 95
3.14.2. Airport Importance ............................................................................................................ 96
3.14.3. Weather Sources ............................................................................................................... 97
3.14.4. Weather Importance ......................................................................................................... 98
3.15. Charts Products and Addons .................................................................................................... 99
7
3.15.1. Charts Products Popularity ................................................................................................ 99
3.15.2. Charts Products Awareness ............................................................................................. 100
3.15.3. Charts Preference ............................................................................................................ 101
3.16. NavData/FMS Data ................................................................................................................. 102
3.16.1. NavData/FMS Data Products Popularity ......................................................................... 102
3.17. Flight Planning ........................................................................................................................ 103
3.17.1. Usage ............................................................................................................................... 103
3.17.2. Services ............................................................................................................................ 104
3.17.3. Important Features ......................................................................................................... 105
3.18. Training ................................................................................................................................... 106
3.18.1. Learning ........................................................................................................................... 106
3.18.2. Learning Method ............................................................................................................. 107
3.18.3. Gamification .................................................................................................................... 108
3.19. Media ...................................................................................................................................... 109
3.19.1. Media Consumption ........................................................................................................ 109
3.20. Video....................................................................................................................................... 110
3.20.1. Platform Preference ........................................................................................................ 110
3.20.2. Paid Content .................................................................................................................... 111
3.21. Survey Meta Analysis ................................................................................................................. 112
3.21.1. Participation .................................................................................................................... 112
3.21.2. Survey Experience ........................................................................................................... 113
4. Results ............................................................................................................................................. 114
4.1. First a Word on Sampling Bias and Validity .............................................................................. 114
4.2 Brief Summary ........................................................................................................................... 114
4.3 Discussion .................................................................................................................................. 115
4.3.1. Simulation Platform Popularity ......................................................................................... 115
4.3.2. Follow Up on 2019’s Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 Release Anticipation .................... 118
4.3.3. Spending ............................................................................................................................ 118
4.3.4. Covid‐19 Effects ................................................................................................................. 119
4.3.5. Console, Gaming & Gamification ...................................................................................... 120
4.4. Survey Meta Analysis ............................................................................................................... 121
5. Future Work .................................................................................................................................... 121
8
1. Introduction
1.1. Partners
The FlightSim Community Survey 2020 is a collaborative effort conducted by the developers,
organizations and companies alphabetically presented in the list of partners below.
● Aerosoft
● AviTab
● Carenado
● Cruiselevel
● Drzewiecki Design
● Frooglesim
● FSElite
● Flight Sim Labs
● Flight1
● FlightGear
● FlightSim.com
● FlightSimExpo
● Gaya Simulations
● GeoFS
● HeliSimmer.com
● Honeycomb
● Infinite Flight
● IVAO
● JonFly
● Laminar Research
● Lockheed Martin
● Microsoft
● MilViz
● Navigraph
● ORBX
● PMDG
● REX
● SimBrief
● SimFlight
● VATSIM
Navigraph was responsible for coordinating, designing, compiling and funding the survey, as well as
authoring this document.
9
1.2. Purpose and Target Audience
The primary purpose of the survey is to provide the participating partners with information about the
flight simulation community so that they are better able to:
● recruit new pilots to the flight simulation community
● develop products and services in response to pilots’ needs and requests
The secondary purpose of the survey is to provide all members of the flight simulation community
with information so that they are better able to:
● find resources to develop their flight simulation interest
● maintain and develop the community
1.3. Data Protection
The data was collected from the respondents anonymously without storing any personally
identifiable information. The results are presented in aggregated form, never individually. The data
was collected in the legitimate interest pursued by Navigraph and the partners. To the best of our
judgement, the survey was conducted in a fashion compliant with the General Data Protection
Regulation (EU) 2016/679. For any questions regarding user privacy, please contact
1.4. Previous Work
VATSIM conducted a survey in 20061. It had 6,691 respondents.
AVSIM has previously published a demographic survey for the flight simulation community. The most
recent one was made in 20132. It had approximately 2,800 respondents.
Laminar Research has collected usage data from its X‐Plane simulator and published two reports3 in
November 2017, and June 2018.
Navigraph has previously conducted customer surveys. In 20174 it had 3,187 respondents. In 2016
2,200 participated. While these surveys had significant portions aimed at product feedback specific
for Navigraph, it also had demographics questions included from the AVSIM survey.
Navigraph has also, with the help of partners, conducted a previous flight community survey in 20185
which has 15,000 respondents, and in 20196 which had 17,800 respondents.
It is our impression that there have been additional small surveys completed in the past. Either they
have been published by various developers with the intent of obtaining specific product feedback; or
they have been published by interest organizations with the intent of obtaining feedback of the
particular operations of that organization.
1 https://www.flightsim.com/vbfs/content.php?7782‐VATSIM‐User‐Survey‐Results 2 https://www.avsim.com/forums/topic/430855‐results‐of‐the‐2013‐avsim‐community‐demographics‐survey/ 3 https://developer.x‐plane.com/category/x‐plane‐usage‐data/ 4 http://blog.navigraph.com/post/167492052421/survey‐results‐prepar3d‐x‐plane‐up‐fsx‐down 5 https://blog.navigraph.com/post/181243982766/2018‐survey‐results 6 https://blog.navigraph.com/post/190623949491/flightsim‐community‐survey‐2019‐results
10
The flightsim community surveys 2018, 2019 and 2020 are different in that they have:
● a larger sample size, i.e. many more respondents compared to any previous flight simulation
community survey to date
● a sample which represents multiple user groups, i.e. users from various developers and
members from various organizations
11
2. Method
Navigraph began by posting an official invite on social media and in the Navigraph newsletter for
partners to collaborate on the survey. Partners who participated to the survey earlier years were
contacted directly via email. To get a representative sample of the community partners were chosen
from as many different parts of the flightsim community as possible.
Partners were asked to submit questions of particular interest to them. Navigraph edited,
consolidated, and designed the questions. The questions were then remitted to the partners for
review before the survey was published.
All partners were asked to publish an individual survey link at a specific date and time. The partners
were free to choose how to distribute the link, but many chose to publish on social media, forums,
websites, and in newsletters. The individual links permitted tracking of how successful each partner
was at gathering respondents to the survey,
The respondents were not compensated for their contribution. The incentive for the respondents to
contribute to the survey is the possibility to guide development in the flightsim community. The
incentive for the partners to contribute to the survey is the possibility to include questions and reach
a wider audience compared to publishing an individual survey themselves.
The information presented in this survey report is only diagrams over aggregated data. No other
analysis as to statistical significance, power, or confidence interval has been done.
12
3. Analysis
3.1. Respondents
The survey had 23,476 (17,800) respondents out of which 62% (69%) completed the 119 (93)
questions in the survey and spent on average 22 (20) minutes. (Last year’s values within
parentheses.)
The diagram below illustrates the number of respondents clicking a link published by a survey
partner over time starting from November 13 when the link to survey was first published, until the
evening of November 2 when the survey closed. Navigraph, illustrated at the bottom of the diagram
contributed with the most respondents followed by Orbx, FSElite, and Infinite Flight. All partners who
contributed with less than 300 respondents are aggregated into the black graph.
0
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
13/11/2020 00:00
14/11/2020 15:00
15/11/2020 15:00
16/11/2020 15:00
17/11/2020 15:00
18/11/2020 15:00
19/11/2020 15:00
20/11/2020 15:00
21/11/2020 15:00
22/11/2020 15:00
23/11/2020 15:00
Survey Respondents by Source over Time
Navigraph Orbx < 300 total FSElite Infinite Flight
GeoFS VATSIM flightsimcom Carenado IVAO
Aerosoft SimFlight Xplane FSLabs
13
3.2. Demographics
3.2.1. Age
The rather even distribution shows that flight simulation is interesting to people of all ages. While the
bulk of the users are in the range of 15‐85 years, we notice a peak around 20 and an impressive tail
towards 85.
The age distribution this year is very similar to those of the two previous surveys, in terms of range
but also with the distinct peak around 20.
0% 0%
7%
12%
8%7% 7%
8%7% 7% 7% 7%
6% 6%5%
2%
1% 0% 0% 0%0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
14%
5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100
Years
How old are you?
14
3.2.2. Gender
Flight simulation continues to be a predominantly male activity. The results are the same as the
previous two years.
0.9%
96.9%
0.3% 0.2% 1.6%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Female Male Non Binary Other Prefer not to say
What best describes your gender?
15
3.2.3. Employment Status
Most flight simulator pilots are either employed full time or fully retired. This result is consistent with
previous years.
7.3%
46.5%
3.4%
16.0%
1.4%
10.4%
3.2%
4.2%
4.3%
3.4%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
I am a full time student
I am employed full time
I am employed part time
I am fully retired
I am furloughed
I am in school
I am in school and employed part time
I am semi‐retired
I am unemployed
Prefer not to say
What is your employment status?
16
3.2.4. Covid‐19 Employment Effect
This question was introduced in this year’s survey to investigate if respondents’ employment
situation has changed due to the effects of Covid‐19.
81.3%
4.8%
3.5%
4.2%
2.1%
4.0%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
No
Prefer not to say
Yes, I have been furloughed
Yes, I have been unemployed
Yes, I have changed jobs
Yes, I now work part time
Has your employment situation changed due to Covid‐19?
17
3.2.5. Country
The top five countries are the same this year as the two previous years. France, the Netherlands,
Spain, Italy and Switzerland follow next, just like previous years, but in varying order.
26.7%
13.9%
10.4%
5.0%
4.3%
3.9%
3.3%
2.2%
2.1%
1.8%
1.5%
1.4%
1.4%
1.3%
1.2%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%
United States [US]
United Kingdom [GB]
Germany [DE]
Canada [CA]
Australia [AU]
France [FR]
Netherlands [NL]
Spain [ES]
Italy [IT]
Switzerland [CH]
Sweden [SE]
Belgium [BE]
Norway [NO]
Austria [AT]
Brazil [BR]
Where do you live?
18
3.2.6. Education
This year Secondary School and Bachelor’s were the most common levels of education. This is the same result as last year. In 2018, however, Bachelor’s was the most common one, followed by Secondary School.
4%
23%
15%
5%
14%
28%
5%
1%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%
Doctor's
Bachelor's
Master's
Associates degree
Technical or Vocational degree
Secondary School / High School
Primary School
None
What is the highest level of education you have completed?
19
3.2.7. Income
Respondents were asked to enter their annual income before tax in their local currency. Exchange rates as per December 2020 were then used to calculate the income in US Dollars.
The distribution is very similar to last year’s survey result. Most respondents are in the interval between $40,000 and $70,000. Last year we also noticed a peak in the $10,000 bracket.
4%
9%
6%
7%
9%10%10%
9%7%
5%5%
4% 3%2% 2% 2%
1% 1% 1%1% 1%
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
0
10000
20000
30000
40000
50000
60000
70000
80000
90000
100000
110000
120000
130000
140000
150000
160000
170000
180000
190000
200000
Income (USD)
What is your yearly income level before tax?
20
3.2.8. Gaming Interest
Last year we asked if you use other simulators aside from flight simulators. This year we decided to
broaden this question and ask about computer games. About half of the respondents say they play
computer games in addition to flying the flight simulator. Commonly occurring words and titles in the
responses were: truck simulator, train simulator, FPS (First person shooter), GTA (Grand Theft Auto),
COD (Call of Duty), and Minecraft.
52.4%47.6%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Yes No
In addition to flight simulation, do you play computer games?
21
3.3. Relation to Aviation
3.3.1. Work
By asking this question we wanted to establish how many of the respondents work within the
aviation industry. Almost one in five work within aviation. This is comparable to the previous year’s
results.
81.7%
0.2%
0.7%
0.9%
4.7%
2.4%
0.8%
0.5%
0.6%
1.3%
6.0%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
No
Yes, as a helicopter pilot
Yes, as a software developer
Yes, as an air traffic controller
Yes, as an airplane pilot
Yes, as an engineer/mechanic
Yes, as an instructor
Yes, as cabin crew
Yes, as dispatch
Yes, as ground crew
Yes, other
Do you work within aviation?
22
3.3.2. Pilot License
One in four flight simulator pilots holds a pilot license. A total of 9% have a Private Pilot Licence (PPL).
In last year’s survey 30% of the simulator pilots held a pilot license.
2.9%
0.6%
0.2%
2.8%
74.2%
2.8%
9.0%
0.1%
0.3%
2.1%
5.0%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)
Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
Commercial Pilot License Helicopter (CPL‐H)
Commercial Pilot License with Instrumental Rating (CPL‐IR)
None
Other (please specify)
Private Pilot License (PPL)
Private Pilot License Helicopter (PPL‐H)
Private Pilot License with Enroute Instrument Rating(PPL‐EIR)
Private Pilot License with Instrument Rating (PPL‐IR)
Student Pilot License
What pilot license do you currently have?
23
3.3.3. Simulation in Relation to Aviation
Among the respondents of the previous question who stated that they have a pilot license we asked
a follow up question to see if it was the flight simulation that sparked their decision to pursue a
license, or maybe the other way around. Almost three out of four got their first flight simulator
before they started studying for their pilot license.
18.9%
73.3%
5.0%
2.8%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
After I obtained my pilot license
Before I started studying for my pilot license
During my pilot license studies
I don't know
When did you get your first flight simulator?
24
3.3.4. Flight School Enrollment
With almost 8% of the simulator pilots enrolled in a flight school, the distribution of respondents is
this year is nearly identical to what was presented in the 2018 and 2019 survey.
7.8%
92.2%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Yes No
Are you currently enrolled in flight school?
25
3.3.5. Flight Lesson Consideration
This question was presented only to respondents who stated that they are not enrolled in a flight
school. In the vein of last year’s result, most respondents are not considering taking real world flight
lessons within the next year.
25.7%
74.3%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Yes No
Are you considering taking real‐world flight lessons within the next year?
26
3.4. Simulator Habits ‐ Combat
3.4.1. Combat Simulation Interest
The section about combat simulation was introduced in last year’s survey. We started by asking if
respondents fly combat missions, and then proceeded with a follow up question to those who are
interested in combat flight simulators. One in five fly combat missions in their simulator, a number
which we also presented in the previous survey.
19.7%
80.3%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Yes No
Do you fly combat missions in your simulator?
27
3.4.2. Combat Simulator Preference
This question was presented only to the respondents who stated that they fly combat missions. DCS
World appeared to be the most popular flight simulator for combat missions, followed by IL‐2
Sturmovik and Falcon 4.0 BMS. This was also the result last year when this question was first
introduced.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Falcon 4.0. BMS
DCS World
IL‐2 Sturmovik
Rise of Flight
Wings Over Flanders Fields
Wings Over the Reich
Warbirds
How often do you fly any of the following combat flight simulator software?
Most of the time Frequently Sometimes Infrequently Never
28
3.5. Simulator Habits ‐ Mobile
3.5.1. Mobile Simulation Interest
In the last year’s survey, we introduced several questions regarding flight simulation on mobile
devices. For those respondents who stated that they flew on mobile devices we proceeded to ask
some additional questions. The number of respondents who fly simulators on mobile devices have
increased from 14% to 17%.
17.0%
83.0%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Yes No
Do you fly simulators on mobile or tablet devices?
29
3.5.2. Mobile Simulator Preference
This question was conditional and only presented to the respondents who stated that they fly on
mobile devices. Just like the previous year’s survey, Infinite Flight is still in the lead as the most
popular mobile flight simulator software.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Infinite Flight
Rortos
X‐Plane Mobile
How often do you fly any of the following mobile flight simulator software?
Most of the time Frequently Sometimes Infrequently Never
30
3.5.3. Mobile Simulator Feature Importance
The following question was conditional and only presented to the respondents who stated that they
fly on mobile devices. By asking this question we get to know which features of the mobile flight
simulator software is the most and least important to the community. As presented last year, flight
dynamics is the most important feature while documentation and networked multi‐player mode are
the least important.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Virtual cockpit visual realism
External aircraft visual realism
Detailed scenery
Flight control intuitiveness
Set of instruments/avionics modeled
Accurate navigation and FMS
Flight dynamics realism
Networked multi‐player mode
Documentation
Engine and systems realism
Sounds
Price
Customer Service/Support
What are the most important features for you in a mobile flight simulator software?
Very Important More Important Less Important Indifferent Not Important
31
3.5.4. Mobile Simulator Device
Flight simmers who use mobile devices seem to prefer using iPad. This was also the result last year
when this question was first introduced.
26.5%
6.6%
25.2%
38.1%
3.7%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%
Android Phone
Android Tablet
iOS Phone
iOS Tablet
Other
Which is your primary platform for mobile flight simulators?
32
3.6. Simulator Habits ‐ Air Traffic Control
3.6.1. ATC Simulation Interest
A total of 13.5% of the respondents say they operate as virtual air traffic controllers. The purpose of
this question is primarily to screen for the coming follow up questions.
13.5%
86.5%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Yes No
Do you operate as a virtual Air Traffic Controller?
33
3.6.2 Reasons for not operating as an ATC
In this question we set out to investigate the reasons why some respondents have never chosen to
operate as virtual Air Traffic Controllers. The question was asked to all respondents who answered
No to the question above.
As shown in the diagram below more than half of the respondents do not have the interest. A
quarter of the respondents do not wish to, or do not have the time.
1.7%
14.5%
24.6%
55.3%
3.9%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
I decided to quit during training
I don't know how to become one
I don't wish to, or don't have the time
I have no interest
I was, but decided to quit
Why don't you operate as a virtual Air Traffic Controller?
34
3.6.3. Discontinued ATC activity
We then decided to follow up on the 3.9 % of respondents who replied that they were previously
working as an air traffic controller but decided to quit. We asked them why they no longer operate as
controllers. Over 60% responded that they do not have the time anymore.
2.1%
61.8%
1.3%
1.5%
3.5%
19.2%
10.6%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
I do not agree with decisions made by leadership of myonline network
I do not have time
I experience lack of progression once achieving highestcontroller rating
I find that fellow air traffic controllers are not trainedto a high enough standard
I find that fellow air traffic controllers are too serious
I have moved on to other things
I no longer find it enjoyable due to the varying degreeof pilot training.
Why do you no longer operate as a virtual Air Traffic Controller?
35
3.6.4. ATC Simulation Usage
Among those who stated that they do operate as air traffic controller we asked how many times per
week respondents operate as air traffic controllers. As in the previous year, most controllers operate
once per week. We also see a decreasing trend in that fewer respondents state that they operate
two, three and four times per week.
This question was conditional and only presented to respondents who stated that they operate as air
traffic controller. We wanted to know how many hours a virtual air traffic controller operates during
a typical session on average. We find out that a typical session ranges between 1‐3 hours.
12%
32%
18%
12%
7% 7%
2% 3% 1% 0%2% 3%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 > 10
Times
How many times do you operate as virtual Air Traffic Controller per week, on average?
8%
21%
37%
21%
7%3%
1% 0% 0% 0% 0% 1%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 > 10
Hours
How many hours do you operate as virtual Air Traffic Controller during a typical session?
36
3.6.5. ATC Simulation Factor Importance
This question was conditional and only presented to respondents who stated that they operate as air
traffic controller. We can establish that familiarity of the airspace is the most important factor among
the respondents when selecting an airport or area to control, just like last year.
71.1%
45.2%
40.8%
28.8%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Familiarity ‐ you know the space very well
Popularity ‐ lots of pilots fly here
ATC coverage ‐ you cover where you're needed
Excitement ‐ it's an interesting traffic pattern
What's important for you when selecting an airport or area to control?
37
3.7. Simulator Habits – General
This section on general simulator habits was presented to all respondents.
3.7.1. Aircraft Types
This question was redesigned for this year’s survey. Response alternatives were renamed for
improved clarity. The aircraft have now been defined according to size and technical characteristics.
In previous years, aircraft were defined by range. Moreover, Warbirds, Float Planes, Gliders and
Drones have also been added as alternatives. This means that the results from previous years are not
entirely comparable to this year’s results.
In the previous two years, short/medium haul and single engine private aircraft were the most
common. This year Single Engine Piston and Narrow‐body Commercial Airliner are the most
common. A notable difference, however, is that more respondents claimed to Always or Often fly
Narrow‐body Commercial Airliners compared to a Single Engine Piston aircraft.
Last year helicopter and combat were the two least common types of aircraft. This year Drones and
Gliders are the least popular.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Single Engine Piston
Multi Engine Piston
Turbo Prop
Narrow‐body Commercial Airliner
Wide‐body Commercial Airliner
Narrow‐body Freighter
Wide‐body Freighter
Business Jets
Combat
Warbirds
Helicopter
Float Planes
Gliders
Drones
What do you normally fly?
Always Often Sometimes Rarely Never
38
3.7.2. Usage
All respondents were asked how many times per week they use a flight simulator. The distribution is
similar to 2018 and 2019, except for the increase in respondents who are using the simulator 10 or
more times per week. It increased from 5% to 15%.
All respondents were also asked how many hours they use the flight simulator during a typical
session. We find that most sessions range from 1‐4 hours. This question was introduced in this year’s
survey.
1%
7%
13%
15%
12%
17%
6%
12%
2%0%
15%
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
14%
16%
18%
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10+
Times
How many times do you use the flight simulator per week, on average?
0%
11%
36%
25%
11%
6%3%
1% 2% 0%
5%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10+
Hours
How many hours do you use the flight simulator during a typical session?
39
3.7.3. Returning to Flight Simulation
In the two previous surveys we asked respondents to tell us for how many years flight simulation has
been an interest. However, we noted that for many respondents flight simulation is a periodic
interest that comes and does. This year we are trying a different type of questions, namely by asking
how many respondents who have returned to flight simulation this year after taking a break from
flight simulation. In fact, little over 50% of the respondents restarted their hobby this year.
This begs the questions – why did respondents return to flight simulation this year? Among the
respondents who stated that they returned to flight simulation this year the vast majority was drawn
back by the launch of the new Microsoft Flight Simulator. 12% of the responses in Other stated
variations on “Infinite Flight” and their version 20.1‐20.3 and reworked B777. 10% stated variations
on “never left” which implies they misunderstood the previous question. 8% stated variations on
“Covid” or “Corona”.
50.6% 49.4%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Yes No
Have you returned to flight simulation during 2020?
22.7%
13.5%
6.8%
56.9%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
Other
Mainly because of the new X‐Plane 11.50.
Mainly because of the new Prepar3D v5.
Mainly because of the new Microsoft FlightSimulator.
Why have you returned to flight simulation during 2020?
40
3.7.4. Covid‐19
By asking the following question we wanted to know if and how Covid‐19 has affected the amount of
time spent on flight simulation this year. A total of 43% of the respondents spend more time because
of Covid‐19, while 45% spend the same amount of time.
5.5%
1.3%
5.2%
43.0%
45.0%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
I don't know
I prefer no to say
I spend less time
I spend more time
I spend the same amount of time
To what degree has the amount of time you spend on flight simulation changed as a
consequence of Covid‐19?
41
3.7.5. Roles
We asked this question to distinguish which type of simulation is the most common. Just like last
year, civilian airplane pilot simulation is the most common.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Civilian Airplane Pilot
Helicopter Pilot
Air Traffic Controller
Combat Pilot
Which type of simulation do you normally do?
Always Frequently Sometimes Infrequently Never
42
3.7.6. Platforms
Just like last year respondents tend to use a desktop as a flight simulation platform, but sometimes a
mobile device too. Not many respondents use a gaming console for flight simulation yet.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Mobile device (Phone/Tablet)
Desktop (PC/Mac/Linux)
Console (Xbox/PlayStation/Nintendo)
How often do you fly simulators on the following platforms?
Always Frequently Sometimes Infrequently Never
43
3.7.7. Purpose
Just like last year, curiosity/interest in aviation is the main purpose for more than every other flight
simmer, while almost one fifth of the respondents fly simulators for casual gaming/entertainment
purpose. All results in this graph are very close to what was presented in the previous year’s survey.
6.1%
1.4%
5.3%
12.3%
55.3%
19.6%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
Training towards a pilot license
Research or academic education
Other
Familiarization of Cockpit/Airport/Airspace
Curiosity/Interest in Aviation
Casual Gaming/Entertainment
What is the main purpose for your flight simulation?
44
3.7.8. Flight Rules
The results are comparable to the last year’s survey: IFR and VFR are still more popular than the
option of flying “casually without rules” which was introduced as an option in the 2019 year’s survey.
15%
46%
6%
30%
29%
9%
32%
15%
22%
16%
6%
29%
7%
4%
34%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
VFR
IFR
Casually without rules
How do you normally fly?
Most of the time Frequently Sometimes Infrequently Never
45
3.7.9. ATC
By introducing the following question in this year’s survey, we wanted to establish which types of
ATC services the respondents mostly use. We find that computer controlled ATC is most popular
among our respondents, however almost one in three use human controlled ATC most of the time.
7.4%
20.6%
31.1%
40.9%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Live (Real world) ATC
I don't use any ATC
Human Controlled ATC
Computer Controlled ATC
What type of Air Traffic Control do you mainly use when flying?
46
3.7.10. Flight Procedures
With this new question for the 2020 survey, we wanted to know which procedures are most popular.
It becomes evident that ILS and visual approaches are frequently flown by our respondents. We do
however see that RNAV approaches, SIDs and STARs are also popular.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Visual approach
Contact approach
Charted visual flight procedure (CVFP)
RNAV approach
ILS approach
VOR approach
VOR‐DME approach
NDB approach
Radar approach
Localizer approach
SID
STAR
Holding pattern
Missed approach
Course reversal procedure
Which types of procedures do you usually fly?
Most of the time Frequently Sometimes Infrequently Never
47
3.8. Consumption Habits
3.8.1. Software Expenses
This question has been a part of the survey 2018 and 2019, but since last year we only present a
cumulative graph. The way to read it is: “52% have spent at least $300 per year.” Obviously, 100%
have spent at least $0.
This year 77% have spent at least $200. Last year less than 70% spent the same amount. This year
94% have spent at least $100. Last year less than 90% spent the same amount.
Generally speaking, the distributions are very similar over all three years. For example, in all three
years 25% have spent at least $500 per year. However, if we look in detail we see that more
respondents spend less than $500 per year compared to last year.
The average software spending is $5,231 dollars. However, removing one of the outliers shifts the
average down to $703. A more reliable measurement is the median which is $223 dollars. Last year
the median was $250, and the year before that $245.
100%
94%
77%
52%
35%
24%
18%12%
9% 7% 7% 5% 4% 3% 3% 2% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1%0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Amount (USD)
How much do you estimate you have spent on flight simulation software and addons in the last 12 months
(cumulative)?
48
3.8.2. Hardware Expenses
This question has been asked in 2018 and 2019 as well. Just like software expenses, hardware
expenses are expressed as cumulative graph. It should be read like this: 100% of the respondents
have spent at least $0 dollars this year. 33% have spent at least $400 per year. 22% have spent at
least $600 per year. And so on.
This year 63% have spent at least $100. Last year some 55% have spent at least $100. This year 51%
have spent at least $200. Last year only 40% spent the same amount.
Just like software expenses, the distributions look very similar to the previous year, but when you
look into the details respondents have actually spent more money this year than last year.
The average hardware spending is $1,045, but a more reliable measurement is the median which is
$167. Last year the median was $111. The year before that it was $200.
100%
63%
51%
41%
33%
26%22%
18%15%
13% 12% 10% 9% 7% 7% 5% 4% 3% 2% 2% 2%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Amount (USD)
How much do you estimate you have spent on flight simulation hardware in the last 12 months (cumulative)?
49
3.8.3. Preferred Online Stores
One notable difference from last year is the introduction of Microsoft Flight Simulator in‐game
Marketplace which was launched following the Microsoft Flight Simulator release. Orbxcentral.com is
also introduced as an online store in this year’s survey.
A slight drop can be identified among some of the established stores, yet the numbers are in general
comparable to the previous year’s survey.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Aerosoft ‐ aerosoft.com
Amazon ‐ amazon.com
Aviation Megastore ‐ aviationmegastore.com
Flight1 ‐ flight1.com
FlightSim Store ‐ flightsimstore.com
FSPS Store ‐ fspsstore.com
FlightSim ‐ flightsim.com
JustFlight ‐ justflight.com
Microsoft Flight Simulator in‐game Marketplace
Orbx Central‐ orbxcentral.com
PC Aviator ‐ pcaviator.com
SimMarket ‐ simmarket.com
Steam ‐ steampowered.com
Threshold Store ‐ store.thresholdx.net
X‐aviation ‐ x‐aviation.com
Xplane.org ‐ store.x‐plane.org
How often do you purchase flight simulation products from these online stores?
Always Often Sometimes Rarely Never
50
3.8.4. Freeware Versus Payware
The results from this question are comparable to last year’s survey. We find that flight planning and
ATC/Traffic software tends to be freeware, whereas simulator software tends to be payware.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Simulator software
Flight planning software
Aircraft
NavData
Charts
Scenery
Weather
ATC/Traffic
Considering all the software and data which you use for flight simulation, what tends to be freeware versus payware?
Only Payware Mostly Payware Equal Mostly Freeware Only Freeware I don't use it
51
3.9. Community
3.9.1. Conferences
Usually, we ask questions about physical conference attendance. Considering the current global
situation where many people are restricted and have not been able to attend conferences in person,
an online conference may be an option to connect with each other. Almost 60 % of the respondents
would consider participating in such an event.
59.3%
40.7%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Yes No
Would you consider participating in an online conference?
52
3.9.2. Online conferences
This question was conditional and only presented to the respondent who could consider participating
in an online conference. Although there is a degree of interest in all options, watching seminars
featuring product launches and announcements as well as obtaining product discounts seems to be
slightly more popular than rest of the components.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Watching live educational seminars
Watching recorded educational seminars
Watching seminars featuring product launches andannouncements
Watching short (<2 minutes) promotional videos fromdevelopers
Obtaining product discounts
Chatting and engaging with developers in real‐time
Connecting with other flight simmers who might livenearby you
Which components of an online conference would be most interesting to you?
Very interested More interested Indifferent Less interested Not interested
53
3.9.3. Contribution
This year we added “No, but I would like to” as an option, which made the answer “No” drop by over
15%. Beta tester continues to be the most common form of contribution.
This new question was conditional and only presented to the people who didn't contribute to the
simulation community. We find that “Time constraints” is the largest factor which stops respondents
from contributing to the flight simulation community.
45.1%
23.6%
17.5%
4.5%
5.1%
5.6%
3.5%
2.2%
1.7%
6.2%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
No
No, but I would like to
Yes, as a beta tester
Yes, as a software developer
Yes, as an artist or 3D modeller
Yes, as an admin of a flightsim organization
Yes, as a video producer
Yes, as a writer
Yes, as a blogger
Yes, as a Twitch/Youtube streamer
Do you contribute to the flight simulation community?
37.1%
20.6%
42.2%
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
Don't know what to contribute Limited skills Time constraints
What stops you from contributing to the flight simulation community?
54
This question is new in this year’s survey and the results are very satisfying. Many of you have
contributed for several years, some of you up till 40 years.
51%
18%
10% 10%5% 4% 2% 0% 0%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
5 10 15 20 25 30 40 45 >50
Years
For how many years have you contributed to the flightsim community?
55
3.9.4. Communication Platforms
A new communication platform for this year’s survey is the Microsoft Flight Simulator Forum. The
most popular platforms to communicate with others are currently Discord, AVSIM Forum, Microsoft
Flight Simulator Forum and Facebook.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
AVSIM Forum
Discord
FlightSim.com Forum
Microsoft Flight Simulator Forums
SimFlight.com Forum
Team Speak
Thresholdx.net Forum
x‐pilot.com Forum
x‐plane.org Forum
How frequently do you use the following platforms for the purpose of communicating with others in the flight simulation
community?
Always Frequently Often Infrequently Never
56
3.9.5. Virtual Airline Membership
Last year 34% of the respondents were a member of a virtual airline, in comparison to this year’s
28.3%.
28.3%
71.7%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Yes No
Are you a member of a Virtual Airline
57
3.9.6. Online Flying
We wanted to know how many people fly online or not and compare the numbers to the previous
year. Last year 56% stated that they fly online, meaning that the percentage of simulator pilots who
fly online has increased by 2.4%.
58.4%
41.6%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Yes No
Do you fly online?
58
3.9.7. Online Network Preference
The following question regarding network preference was only asked to the respondents who stated
that they fly online.
As reported in the previous year’s survey, most of the respondents use VATSIM, followed by IVAO
and projectFly.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
FSCloud
FSHost
IVAO
PilotEdge
projectFly
VATSIM
How often do you fly on any of the following online network?
Most of the time Frequently Often Infrequently Never
59
3.9.8. Important Factors for Joining Online Networks
This question was introduced last year. Although this year’s results are similar, we note that
friendliness of fellow members and staff is now top three together with Sophistication and ATC
coverage, putting free membership on the fourth place.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Ease of use & Accessibility
Sophistication & realism of software
Availability of training docs & support
Friendliness of fellow members and staff
Strictness of rules & regulations
Number of active users
Free of charge
ATC coverage
What is important to you when considering joining a network?
Very important More important Indifferent Less important Not important
60
3.9.9. ATC Importance on Routing
This question was introduced last year for the purpose of establishing the importance of ATC with
regards to origin, route, or destination. The answers are along the lines of last year’s survey.
15.2% 27.4% 30.5% 8.9% 18.1%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Does the availability of ATC influence your choice of origin, route or destination?
Always Frequently Sometimes Infrequently Never
61
3.9.10. Reasons for Not Flying Online
This question was conditional and only shown to respondents who stated they did not fly online. The
commitment to fly in real time is still the largest reason for not flying online.
18.4%
22.1%
15.4%
7.8%
12.2%
24.0%
5.5%
32.0%
4.4%
9.2%
4.4%
19.6%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40%
I don't enjoy it
I don't know how to speak to air traffic controllers(protocol and radio alphabet)
I don't know which software to use or how toconfigure it
I don't have the same charts or data source as the airtraffic controllers
I don't know how to fly well enough
I am not a member of an online network
I don't speak English well enough
I can't commit to fly in real time or want to be able topause my simulation
My internet connection is too slow or not stable
Lack of ATC coverage
I had a bad experience so I left
Never considered it
Why don't you fly online?
62
3.10. Simulator Platform
3.10.1. Simulator Software
Following the launch of Microsoft Flight Simulator earlier in 2020, this simulator has grown to
become the most popular flight simulator among the respondents. Laminar Research X‐Plane 11.50+,
as well as Prepar3D v4 and v5 are also popular flight simulators.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Microsoft FS 2002
Microsoft FS 2004
Microsoft FSX
Microsoft FS 2020
Dovetail Microsoft FSX: Steam Edition
Laminar Research X‐Plane 10
Laminar Research X‐Plane 11.0 ‐ 11.41
Laminar Research X‐Plane 11.50 +
Laminar Research X‐Plane Mobile
Lockheed Martin Prepar3d v1
Lockheed Martin Prepar3d v2
Lockheed Martin Prepar3d v3
Lockheed Martin Prepar3d v4
Lockheed Martin Prepar3d v5
Infinite Flight
Rortos
FlightGear
AeroFly FS 2
Aerowinx
Falcon 4.0. BMS
DCS World
GeoFS
How often do you fly any of the following flight simulator software?
Most of the time Frequently Sometimes Infrequently Never
63
3.10.2. Simulator Software Change
Almost 50% of the respondents have switched their primary flight simulation software during 2020.
The majority of these have switched to Microsoft Flight Simulator. In 2019 we asked the community
what the likelihood was that they would purchase Microsoft Flight Simulator when it becomes
available. Over 60% of the respondents then replied that they would be likely or very likely to buy the
new simulator. From this year’s survey we can establish that a total of almost one third have so far
made Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 their primary flight simulation software.
This question was conditional and only presented to the respondents who stated that they switched
to X‐Plane 11 this year. We can establish that common flight simulators that respondents left for X‐
Plane 11 were Microsoft Flight Simulator (FSX, FS9) and Prepar3D.
52.1%
32.9%
3.6%
6.5%
4.8%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
No
Yes, to Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020)
Yes, to other
Yes, to Prepar3d v5
Yes, to X‐Plane 11
Have you switched your primary flight simulation software this year?
6.8%
24.5%
41.6%
11.1%
15.9%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
Other
From Prepar3D
From Microsoft Flight Simulator (FSX, FS9)
From Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020)
From an earlier version of X‐Plane
From which flight simulator software did you switch to X‐Plane 11?
64
This question was conditional and only presented to the respondents who stated that they switched
to Prepar3d v5 this year. By far most of the respondents switched from an earlier version of
Prepar3D.
This question was conditional and only presented to the respondents who stated that they switched
to Microsoft Flight Simulator this year. The results suggest a spread between X‐Plane, Prepar3D, and
earlier versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator.
1.0%
5.6%
12.4%
3.7%
77.3%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
Other
From X‐Plane
From Microsoft Flight Simulator (FSX or FS9)
From Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020)
From an earlier version of Prepar3D
From which flight simulator software did you switch to Prepar3d v5?
5.8%
32.2%
33.1%
28.8%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%
Other
From X‐Plane
From Prepar3D
From an earlier version of Microsoft FlightSimulator (FSX, FS9, ...)
From which flight simulator software did you switch to Microsoft Flight Simulator?
65
3.10.3. Computer
This question is new for this year and was used to filter out laptop and desktop users for upcoming
questions. With over 93%, we find that most respondents fly simulators on desktop or laptop
computers, compared to other platforms.
93.3%
6.7%
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
90.0%
100.0%
Yes No
Do you fly simulators on desktop or laptop computers?
66
3.10.4. Operating System
This question was asked in the 2018 survey, but not in the 2019 survey. Just like in 2018 Windows 10
is the most common operating system. In 2018 12.4% was using Windows 8 or earlier. This year we
see that a lot fewer users are still using Windows 8 or earlier.
1.3%
0.7%
1.0%
0.5%
0.7%
92.5%
2.7%
0.1%
0.4%
0.1%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Linux ‐ any distro or version
Mac "Big Sur" 11.00 ‐ the current version
Mac "Catalina" 10.15
Mac "Mojave" 10.14 or earlier ‐ previous versions
Other
Windows 10 ‐ the current version
Windows 7
Windows 8
Windows 8.1
Windows Vista or earlier ‐ previous versions
Which operating system are you running on your primary flight simulator computer?
67
3.10.5. Graphics Card Usage
In 2018 we had a question about graphics cards, but not in 2019. This year we decided to revisit this
question again and include some follow‐up questions to get more information about the
performance range of our respondents’ computers. The question was asked all respondents who use
laptop or desktops.
Nvidia appears to be dominating as the most popular graphic card.
The following question was conditional and only answered by those who had Nvidia graphics card.
With 18.1% the GeoForce GTX 1080 is the most used graphics card, followed by the RTX 2080 which
is used by 16.2% of the respondents.
7.6%
2.5%
4.0%
85.8%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
AMD
I don't know
Intel
Nvidia
Which graphics card do you use in your primary flight simulation computer?
12.7%
3.6%
1.5%
2.4%
1.0%
16.2%
11.4%
5.4%
4.4%
1.2%
18.1%
10.8%
7.7%
3.7%
0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0% 70.0% 80.0% 90.0% 100.0%
Other
I don't know
GeForce RTX 3090
GeForce RTX 3080
GeForce RTX 3070
GeForce RTX 2080
GeForce RTX 2070
GeForce RTX 2060
GeForce GTX 1660
GeForce GTX 1650
GeForce GTX 1080
GeForce GTX 1070
GeForce GTX 1060
GeForce GTX 1050
Which Nvidia graphics card do you have?
68
This question was only answered by those who have an AMD graphics card.
In “Other” we see 27% variations on “Radeon RX 5700 XT”.
19.0%
9.4%
9.5%
1.1%
2.1%
1.3%
0.4%
0.4%
0.6%
0.3%
0.1%
0.1%
1.3%
1.0%
0.5%
43.0%
10.1%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
Radeon RX 580
Radeon RX 5700M
Radeon RX 570
Radeon RX 5600M
Radeon RX 560
Radeon RX 5500M
Radeon RX 540
Radeon RX 5300M
Radeon 640
Radeon 630
Radeon 625
Radeon 610
Radeon 550X
Radeon 530
Radeon 520
Other
I don't know
Which AMD graphics card do you have?
69
3.10.6. Graphics Card Drivers
This is also a new question for this year’s survey. Over 78% of the respondents are actively keeping
their graphic card driver up to date.
3.0%
2.1%
5.9%
10.7%
78.4%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
No, I don't care
No, I find it too complicated
No, I prefer not changing something which is alreadyworking
No, I prefer to wait until the update has proven to bestable
Yes
Are you actively keeping your graphics card drivers up to date?
70
3.10.7. VRAM Storage
By introducing this question in the 2020 survey, we wanted to find out how many gigabytes of VRAM
the respondents have. The diagram below presents all answers that had a popularity of 1% or more
among the respondents.
77.5%
22.5%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Yes No
Do you know how much VRAM you have?
2.4%
7.5%
12.8%
38.7%
2.1%
12.1%
2.2%
9.0%
1.6%
8.0%
1.3%
0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0%
2
4
6
8
10
11
12
16
24
32
64
How many gigabytes of VRAM do you have?
71
3.10.8. X‐Plane 11.50 Vulkan/Metal Usage
The new version of X‐Plane has support for Vulkan and Metal. We wanted to ask if respondents are
using this feature and whether they are noticing any difference. First we asked a conditional question
to make sure only X‐Plane users responded.
Then the following question was asked to the 41% who stated that they run X‐Plane 11.50+. 81.4% of
X‐Plane 11.50+ users are using the new feature. However, 14.3% are not noticing any difference.
41.0%
59.0%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Yes No
Are you running X‐Plane 11.50+?
6.5%
1.7%
4.4%
6.0%
67.1%
14.3%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
No, I have one or more add‐ons which are incompatible
No, my driver can not cope
No, my GPU is too old
No, other
Yes, I am enjoying the enhanced experience
Yes, I am not noticing any difference however
Since you are using X‐Plane 11.50+, are you using the new Vulkan/Metal option?
72
3.10.9. Xbox Consoles
In this year’s survey we added the new Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S as answer alternatives.
However, the older Xbox models are still more popular. This is probably because the new Xbox series
were released very shortly before the 2020 survey was published.
83.7%
7.8%
3.5%
3.4%
0.2%
1.3%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
No
Yes, an Xbox One
Yes, an Xbox One S
Yes, an Xbox One X
Yes, an Xbox Series S
Yes, an Xbox Series X
Do you own an Xbox console?
73
3.10.10. Console Activity
Since Microsoft Flight Simulator is anticipated to be released on Xbox we wanted to ask if
respondents would use a flight simulator the same way on console as they would on a desktop
computer. The results suggest that 58.4 % would do the same activities as when flying on desktop,
whereas 32.2% would just do quick casual flights.
58.4%
9.4%
32.2%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Exactly the same as in Desktop Other Quick casual flights
If you were able to run a flight simulator on a console, what activities would you likely engage in?
74
3.10.11. Console Controller
Continuing on the topic of consoles, we would like to know if respondents were likely to connect any
other peripherals aside from gamepad controllers to fly. In fact, three out of four would prefer to
play with something else then gamepad controller, and just over two‐thirds would prefer to fly with
yoke and pedals.
25.1%
4.0% 3.1%
67.8%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Probably not Yes, other Yes, with mouse andkeyboard
Yes, with yoke and pedals
If you were able to run a flight simulator on a console, would you prefer to play with something else than the gamepad
controller?
75
3.10.12. Internet Connection Speed
This year respondents typically have speeds of 10 to 499 Mbit/s. The results are comparable to last
year’s survey. In 2018 the binning of this diagram was different and had more resolution in the 10‐50
Mbit/s range.
6.4%
10.0%
13.6%
34.6%
31.9%
3.5%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
10+ Gbit/s
1‐9 Gbit/s
500‐999 Mbit/s
100‐499Mbit/s
10‐99 Mbit/s
0‐9 Mbit/s
How fast is your internet connection?
76
3.10.13. Auxiliary Systems
Pedal, Throttle and Joystick are popular, but also tablets and multiple display setups.
1.6%
0.9%
5.5%
0.3%
0.2%
0.2%
0.5%
1.5%
6.3%
17.1%
23.2%
12.6%
1.3%
8.3%
34.1%
15.2%
33.5%
1.7%
56.5%
32.3%
54.0%
45.7%
52.4%
5.7%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
Polarized sunglasses
Leather flying helmet
Kneeboard
Extracted cockpit from a retired airliner
Full motion level D cockpit
FNPT II Simulator
Moving platform
Cockpit, purchased from professional
Cockpit build, home project
Hardware panels
Headtracker such as TrackIR, freetrack/opentrack,…
VR
Projector(s)
Several displays, some of which connected to…
Several displays, however only one used for the…
Additional computer(s), other than the simulator…
Tablet, such as iPad or Android
Helicopter controls
Pedals
HOTAS
Throttle quadrant
Yoke
Joystick with z‐axis and hat switch control
No gear ‐ just a computer and a screen
What does your simulator setup look like?
77
3.10.14. Qualified Training Device
About one‐fifth of the respondents think it is important to be able to use the simulator for training
towards a pilot license. This is comparable to the results from last year.
20.4%
79.6%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Yes No
Is it important for you that you can use the flight simulator platform to log hours towards a pilot license?
78
3.11. Virtual Reality
3.11.1. Ownership
A total of 11.5% of the respondents own a VR headset and use it for flight simulation. Moreover, 80%
of the respondents do not own a VR headset. These results have actually been consistent over the
two years this question have been a part of the survey.
81.7%
11.5%
6.8%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
No
Yes, and I use it for flight simulation
Yes, but I don't use it for flight simulation
Do you own a VR headset?
79
3.11.2. Brand
The following questions regarding VR were only asked to respondents who stated they owned a VR
headset.
This question was also featured in the 2019 survey. However, for this year we added answer options
such as HP Reverb G1 and G2 as well as Oculus Quest and Oculus Quest 2 to reflect the current VR
market.
Oculus Rift continues to be the most popular headset.
4.8%
4.3%
0.9%
0.9%
8.7%
22.6%
25.0%
3.5%
4.9%
0.9%
1.3%
3.3%
1.0%
6.9%
6.1%
4.9%
0% 10% 20% 30%
Valve Index
Samsung Odyssey series
Pimax 8k series
Pimax 5k series
Other
Oculus Rift S
Oculus Rift
Oculus Quest 2
Oculus Quest
Oculus GO
Lenovo Explorer
HTC Vive Pro
HTC Vive Cosmos
HTC Vive
HP Reverb G2
HP Reverb G1
Which VR headset do you primarily use?
80
3.11.3. VR Simulator Software
X‐Plane continues to be the most popular flight simulator software for VR and increased with 4.1%
from last year’s survey. DCS World increased with 1% and is still number two. We find Prepar3D on
third place with 11.3%, seeing a drop of 5,7% compared to its 17% in the last year’s survey.
30.9%
11.3%
4.5%
24.7%
5.5%
20.0%
3.2%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40%
X‐Plane 11
Prepar3D
Other
None
Microsoft Flight Simulator (VR beta)
DCS World
Aerofly FS 2
Which flight simulator software do you primarily use together with your VR headset?
81
3.11.4. VR Session Duration
This is a new question for this year’s survey. We find that over 80% of the respondents spend one or
two hours during a typical VR session.
46%
35%
11%
4% 4%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
1 2 3 4 > 5
Hours
What is the average time you spend in a VR session?
82
3.11.5. VR Views
We see that when flying in VR, 98% of the respondents use cockpit view.
98.0%
17.8%
3.7%
3.8%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Cockpit view
External view, to observe the environment
External view, for take off
External view, for landing
When flying in VR, which views are you using?
83
3.11.6. Motion Sickness
Every other respondent has at some point experienced motion sickness when using a VR headset.
The results for motion sickness are comparable to last year.
3.9% 13.7% 31.0% 49.9%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Do you ever suffer from motion sickness using your VR headset?
Always Often Sometimes Rarely Never
84
3.11.7. IPD Awareness
This is a new question for this year’s survey. Inter‐Pupillary Distance (IPD) is the distance between
the centres of the pupils of the eyes measured in millimetres. We note that just over 70% are aware
of their IPD and its impact in VR.
70.5%
29.5%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Yes No
Are you aware of your Inter‐Pupillary Distance (IPD) and its impact in VR?
85
3.11.8. VR Controls
Top three are the same as in last year’s survey. Last year we found pedals at 52%, joystick / yoke at
55% and HOTAS at 41%.
24.2%
3.1%
23.9%
17.1%
48.8%
62.2%
56.8%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
VR hand controllers
Console hand controller
Mouse
Keyboard
HOTAS
Joystick / Yoke
Pedals
When flying in VR, how do you control the plane?
86
3.11.9. VR Flight Types
The most common type of flying is VFR, which is same as last year but with an increase by 7.4%.
Second place this year we find “Casual flying without rules” which increased by 8.5% compared to
the previous year. This puts last year’s number two IFR, which increased by 2.6%, on a third place of
the most popular types of flying in VR.
47.6%
70.4%
48.5%
36.5%
18.5%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
IFR VFR Casual flying withoutrules
Combat Aerobatics
What type of flying do you use VR for?
87
3.11.10. VR vs Desktop Flying
This is a new question for this year. We can establish that over 40% of the respondents use VR for about 10% of the time when flying.
16.4%
12.3%
13.2%
15.0%
43.1%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
100% VR / 0% Desktop
75% VR / 25% Desktop
50% VR / 50% Desktop
25% VR / 75% Desktop
10% VR / 90% Desktop
How often do you use VR vs regular desktop flying?
88
3.11.11. VR Desktop Switch
By introducing this question, we wanted to know if the respondents switch between VR and desktop
during their session. It appears that more than half of the respondents switch between VR and
desktop to some degree.
7.8% 20.6% 27.5% 41.1%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
In the same session, do you switch between VR and Desktop?
Most of the time Frequently Sometimes Infrequently Never
89
3.11.12. VR Launch Method
This is also a new question for this year. We see that most of the respondents launch the game on
desktop when they switch to VR for flying.
22.9%
77.1%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Directly from the headset (Steam VR room, Cliffhouse,etc)
I launch the game on desktop then I switch to VR forflying
How do you launch a VR session?
90
3.11.13. VR Desirable Factors
When asking VR users to prioritize between graphics and performance, we see that there is not too
much to separate these two components.
44.6%
55.4%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Graphics Performance
In VR, what do you prioritize for a good session?
91
3.11.14. VR Plugins/Mods
This question as added in last year’s survey. In 2019 Occulus Home and AviTab EFB were the most
popular. The results are the same this year, but with increased popularity for these two options.
15.8%
37.3%
22.4%
13.0%
47.6%
5.5% 5.9%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
3jFPS AviTab EFB FlyInside Move VR Oculus Home SimVRLabsaircraft
VMI‐twick VR
Which plugins/mods do you use to improve your VR experience in the simulator?
92
3.12. Addons in General
3.12.1. Addon Type Importance
Aircraft, scenery and weather are the most important addon software types among the respondents.
The results are in line with last year’s survey.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Flight planning
Aircraft
NavData
Charts
Scenery
Weather
ATC/Traffic
Considering all of the addon software and data you use for flight simulation, which ones do you find the most
important?
Very important More Important Indifferent Less Important Not Important
93
3.12.2. Addon Purchase Influences
This question was generalized to cover all types of addon software in this year’s survey. Similar to last
year respondents tend to trust video reviews and tutorials, as well as recommendations from friends,
when deciding which addon software to purchase. This year we also added the answer option
“Watching streams and live video shows”, which also was quite popular.
Like last year’s survey “Ads or reviews in printed magazines” and “Newsletters from developers”
have the least influence in the purchase decision according to respondents.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Forum posts by other users
Newsletters from addon developer
Ads or reviews in printed magazines
News or reviews from online news sites
Ads or reviews on blogs and social media
Video reviews and tutorials
Watching streams and live video shows
Offers in online stores
Recommendations from friends
What influences you the most when deciding to purchase addon software?
Very Important More Important Indifferent Less Important Not Important
94
3.13. Aircraft Addons
3.13.1. Aircraft Feature Importance
Compared to the last two years, it seems like the same set of features are important to the
respondents when it comes to purchasing an aircraft addon. Although every listed feature has shown
to be important to some degree, we find that “Virtual cockpit visual realism”, “Set of
instruments/avionics modeled” and “Flight dynamics realism” as well as “Engine and systems
realism” are considered very important to most respondents.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Virtual cockpit visual realism
External aircraft visual realism
Set of instruments/avionics modeled
Flight dynamics realism
Documentation
Engine and systems realism
Number of liveries
Sounds
Price
Purchase process
Customer Service/Support
Addon developer reputation
What are the most important features for you, when deciding which addon aircraft to purchase?
Very Important More Important Indifferent Less Important Not Important
95
3.14. Scenery and Weather
3.14.1. Scenery Importance
Just like the previous two surveys presented, detailed airports remain the most important aspect of
scenery addons. Presence of famous landmarks is the least important, both this year and last year.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Terrain/Topography with high resolution
Orthophoto/Textures with high resolution
Accurate coastlines, rivers and lakes
Detailed airports
Presence of famous landmarks
Based on the type of flying you do, which aspects of a scenery addon is important to you?
Very Important More Important Indifferent Less Important Not Important
96
3.14.2. Airport Importance
This is a new question for this year’s survey, and it shows us what kind of qualities you think are
important in an airport add‐on. Accuracy seems to be the most important aspect of an airport add‐
on.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Visual quality
Accuracy
The airport is up to date
Level of details
Which characteristics of an airport add‐on do you consider to be important?
Very Important More Important Indifferent Less Important Not Important
97
3.14.3. Weather Sources
This question was asked because we wanted to know which type of software is used to control the
weather in a simulator. We can see a change from last year’s answers. “Weather generated by
payware software” dropped with 14.7% and “Weather generated by my simulator” increased with
23.2%.
56.2%
9.3% 9.8%
55.3%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Weather generated by mysimulator
Weather generated by myATC network's Pilot Client
Weather generated byfreeware software
Weather generated bypayware software
Which of the following types of weather services do you use?
98
3.14.4. Weather Importance
The results are comparable to last year’s survey. Access to live/real‐time and a realistic weather
experience seems to remain the most important feature for weather addons. Being able to worsen
the weather conditions such that you have to rely on instrument navigation turns out to have the
least importance among the weather statements this year.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
How important is the weather experience overall foryour simulation sessions?
Is it important to be able to worsen the weatherconditions such that you have to rely on instrument
navigation?
In regards to weather including clouds, how important isa realistic weather experience?
In regards to weather including clouds, how important isa visually exciting experience?
Is access to live/real‐time weather important to you?
Considering the weather inside the simulator, please rate how important the following aspects are to you.
Very Important More Important Indifferent Less Important Not Important
99
3.15. Charts Products and Addons
3.15.1. Charts Products Popularity
Navigraph Charts, SkyVector and FlightAware are the most commonly used charts products. This
result is consistent with results from the last two years.
16.8%
1.7%
3.6%
1.0%
2.9%
2.7%
11.3%
4.3%
7.8%
3.9%
2.1%
3.2%
1.2%
1.2%
1.9%
59.5%
35.2%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
None
AeroNavMap
Aerosoft NavDataPro
Dauntless Aviation SimPlates
Eurocontrol EAD
FAA d‐TTP
Flightaware
FltPlan Go
ForeFlight Mobile EFB
Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro
Jeppesen Mobile FliteDeck
Jeppesen VFR Manual
Lufthansa Systems Lido/eRouteManual
Lufthansa Systems Lido/mPilot
Navblue (formerly Navtech/EAG) Charts+
Navigraph Charts
Sky Vector
Which charts products do you use?
100
3.15.2. Charts Products Awareness
During the last three years respondents are well aware of Jeppesen charts. Respondents also know
that charts are available from ANSPs. The awareness of Lufthansa charts has dropped this year, and
awareness of Navblue has increased.
13.9%
30.3%
8.9%
14.9%
78.7%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
None
Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) such as FAA,NATS, DFS, DSNA,DECEA,LFV
Navblue
Lufthansa Systems Lido/RouteManual
Jeppesen
Which chart formats have you encountered?
101
3.15.3. Charts Preference
With remarkable consistency, respondents continue to prefer Jeppesen charts. 60% of the
respondents said they prefer Jeppesen charts this year, last year, and the year before that.
Respondents also like charts from ANSPs. This year 10.7% said so. Previous years 12% and 13% said
so. 6.6% prefer Lufthansa Systems. This is a decrease from the last two years where 11‐12% said they
preferred Lufthansa charts. Navblue charts were preferred by 0‐1% of the respondents previous
years, but is now preferred by 1.9%.
1.6%
19.0%
1.9%
6.6%
60.2%
10.7%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Other
None
Navblue
Lufthansa Systems Lido/RouteManual
Jeppesen
Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) such asFAA,NATS,DFS,DSNA,DECEA,LFV
Which chart format do you prefer?
102
3.16. NavData/FMS Data
3.16.1. NavData/FMS Data Products Popularity
Navigraph is the most popular source of navdata. However, this year we added “Default data
provided by software” as answer alternative to this question to measure the popularity of the default
navdata provided with some software, e.g. Microsoft Flight Simulator. Because of the confounded
origin and application this question is not ideal and is therefore a candidate for redesign next year,
because some default navdata provided in software actually originates from Navigraph, like in the
case of X‐Plane. To get a sense of the potential confusion we also added “I don’t know” as an answer
option.
15.5%
4.1%
1.7%
2.2%
67.3%
1.2%
1.9%
17.4%
4.6%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
None
Aerosoft Navdatapro
fsAeroData
Herve Sors
Navigraph
RealNavData
FAA CIFP
Default data provided by software
I don't know
Which NavData/FMS Data products do you use?
103
3.17. Flight Planning
3.17.1. Usage
Almost one out of two respondents use flight planning services most of the time. The results are
comparable to last year’s survey.
We ask respondents why they use flight planning services to investigate which parts of flight planning
that are important. The results are comparable to previous year’s survey.
45.5% 24.1% 13.2% 7.2% 10.0%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
How often do you use flight planning services?
Most Of The Time Frequently Sometimes Infrequently Never
80.6%
61.8%
71.0%
43.1%
50.0%
2.9%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
To find a route
To generate importable FMS/route files
To calculate flight time, payload, or fuelrequirements
To get weather/NOTAM information
To create a briefing package for use during flight
Other
Why do you use flight planning services (select any that apply)?
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3.17.2. Services
Simbrief is the most preferred flight planning software the last two years, followed by Navigraph
Charts and SkyVector. Little Nav Map has increased by 4.5% since last year, while FlightAware is
decreasing in popularity of the last two years.
9.6%
6.6%
3.2%
13.3%
4.2%
4.5%
1.3%
1.6%
17.5%
39.7%
8.2%
15.5%
4.8%
2.8%
0.6%
9.1%
61.7%
31.1%
0.1%
3.5%
8.4%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
None
AivlaSoft EFB
Flight Sim Commander
Flightaware
FltPlan.com
ForeFlight Flights
FSBuild
Jeppesen FliteStar
Little Nav Map
Navigraph Charts
Online Flight Planner
PFPX
projectFLY
PRO‐ATC/X
RocketRoute
Route Finder
SimBrief
Skyvector
Universal
Vroute
Other
Which flight planning software or services do you use?
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3.17.3. Important Features
This question is new for this year’s survey. We can see that all aspects are important to some degree.
Accuracy does however seem to be the most important feature, followed by level of details and
compatibility with various simulator add‐ons.
80.4%
47.7%
57.0%
45.8%
30.2%
55.1%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Accuracy
Comprehensiveness
Level of detail
Simplicity
Level of customization
Compatibility with various simulators and add‐ons
When selecting a flight planning service, what characteristics are most important to you?
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3.18. Training
3.18.1. Learning
By asking all respondents if they started learning to pilot a new aircraft type in the last 12 months,
we could establish that this was the case for over 50% of our respondents.
55.5%
44.5%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Yes No
Did you start learning to pilot a new aircraft type in the last 12 months?
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3.18.2. Learning Method
This question was conditional and only presented to the respondents who stated that they started to
learn a new aircraft the last twelve months.
Among the different resources available when learning to pilot a new aircraft we found that video
tutorials, trial and error, aircraft manuals and forums were most popular answer options.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
In‐game training
Forums
Books
Aircraft manuals
Video tutorials
Trial and error
Ask a pilot friend
Which resources do you use when learning to pilot a new aircraft?
Most of the time Frequently Sometimes Infrequently Never
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3.18.3. Gamification
This is a new question for this year. We find that more people are open to the addition of badges to
indicate achievements in their flight simulation performance
As for the previous question, we find that more people are open to the addition of a score to your
flight simulation performance, indicating how well they are flying.
12.0% 27.7% 43.6% 9.3% 7.4%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Do you think it would be a good idea to add badges to indicate achievements in your flight simulation performance, indicating
how well you are flying?
Strongly agree Agree Indifferent Disagree Strongly disagree
11.0% 29.1% 39.1% 11.7% 9.1%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Do you think it would be a good idea to add a score to your flight simulation performance, indicating how well you are
flying?
Strongly agree Agree Indifferent Disagree Strongly disagree
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3.19. Media
3.19.1. Media Consumption
Avsim.com continues to be the most popular flightsim or aviation related media. FlightSim.com and
FSElite.net are also popular.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
AirDailyX.net
Airliner World
Avsim.com
AOPA Flight Training
AOPA Pilot
Civil Aviation Training
Cruiselevel.de
FlightSim.com
Flying Mag
FSElite.net
FS Magazin
HeliSimmer.com
Key.aero
PCFlight.net
PC Pilot
SimFlight.com
Threshold
Which flightsim or aviation related media do you consume?
Most of the time Frequently Sometimes Infrequently Never
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3.20. Video
3.20.1. Platform Preference
Not unlike the results of the 2018 and 2019 survey, YouTube remains the most popular video
platform. Facebook and Twitch are also strong platforms for the consumption of flight simulation
related video content.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Patreon
Twitch
Vimeo
YouTube
Which video platforms do you use for consuming flight simulation related content?
Most Of The Time Frequently Sometimes Less Frequently Never
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3.20.2. Paid Content
In 2018 and 2019, 9% and 8% of respondents paid for video content respectively. This year even
fewer paid for video material.
7.5%
92.5%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Yes No
Have you paid for any flight simulation related video content the last 12 months?
112
3.21. Survey Meta Analysis
3.21.1. Participation
For this survey, 40.1% of the respondents had participated in the last year’s FlightSim Community
Survey and 59.9% had not. This is comparable to last year where 39% had participated in the 2018
survey, and 61% had not.
40.1%
59.9%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Yes No
Did you participate in the 2019 FlightSim Community Survey?
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3.21.2. Survey Experience
This question was introduced in the last year’s survey last year to investigate how the respondents
experienced the survey.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
I discovered something new about flightsim while takingthe survey.
I think the survey covered all aspects of flightsim.
I understood all the questions in the survey.
I felt the need to take a break during the survey.
I think the survey is so important I will recommend aflightsim friend to take it.
I am excited to see the results.
I think I will take the survey again next year.
Please rate the following statements about the current survey.
Strongly Agree Agree Uncertain Disagree Strongly Disagree
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4. Results
4.1. First a Word on Sampling Bias and Validity
Since respondents were not selected according to a random sampling technique, but instead
voluntarily chose to participate themselves, there may be a bias in the data collected. This is true for
any survey where respondents are invited to participate without randomizing the respondent
selection according to the topics the survey set out to investigate.
We want to highlight the fact that this chapter is merely summarizing the collected survey data ‐ not
drawing any conclusions. That’s why it was renamed from “Conclusion” to “Results” in last year’s
survey. Since we cannot check whether the dataset is a representative sample of the flight simulation
population, we do not conclude anything with absolute certainty. For this reason, we have chosen
not to calculate confidence intervals or margin of errors.
So, what can be said about this dataset? First of all, with 23,500 respondents, this dataset must be
considered to be large compared to other surveys of its kind. The bigger the sample, the more likely
that it is resembling the population. A high number of respondents can mitigate the effect of any
selection bias which may be present. Secondly, while the dataset may not be generally conclusive for
the entire population, we can still claim that the 23,500 respondents that decided to participate in
the survey did indeed reply this way.
Thirdly, we can track trends and make relative comparisons between years. 59.9% of this year’s
participants were new to the survey and did not take the survey last year. Many of the survey
questions have same, or very similar, distributions when comparing two consecutive years. If a
sampling bias were present one might anticipate some variance between years – especially when
each year has approximately 60% new respondents. If the variance between samples is low one
might reason that the result is representative of the population – or that the same type of bias is
present in both samples. Low variance in samples over consecutive years may increase the
confidence of a representative result, but we will still not be able to be absolutely certain. With these
words of caution let’s consider the data that was collected.
4.2 Brief Summary
Despite the fact that 59.9% of the respondents were new to the survey this year, most of the results
are very similar to those of last year. Where we can, we have provided data from previous years next
to the diagrams.
Here is a brief non‐exhaustive summary of the results:
Almost all respondents are male.
Age ranges from 15‐85 years, with a notable peak around 20.
Most of the respondents come from the US, the UK and Germany.
The majority have a high‐school or Bachelor’s degree.
The majority earn $50,000‐60,000 per year, before tax.
18.3% work within aviation. 4.7% are airplane pilots.
25.8% have some sort of pilot license.
o 9% have a PPL.
7.8% are currently enrolled in flight school.
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o 25.7% of those who are not consider taking lessons in the coming year.
19.7% fly combat simulators.
o DCS World is the most common one.
17.0% fly simulators on mobile or tablet devices.
o Infinite Flight is the most common one.
The most popular aircraft type is Single Engine Piston and Narrow‐body Commercial Airliner.
Pilots tend to fly 2‐5 times a week, 2‐3 hours per session.
IFR as a little more popular than VFR, but pilots like to fly casually without rules too.
The median software spending per year is $223 which is less than last year.
The median hardware spending per year is $267 which is more than last year.
58.4% fly online, which is a little less than last year.
o VATSIM is the most popular online network.
28.3% are members of a Virtual Airline, which is less than last year.
Microsoft FS2020 is the most popular simulation platform.
A majority of respondents did not change simulator platforms this year.
o The majority of those who did change platform, changed to Microsoft FS2020.
o Among those who changed to X‐Plane 11.50, the majority comes from FSX and FS9.
o Among those who changed to Prepar3D v5, the majority comes from a previous
version of Prepar3D.
o Those who changed to Microsoft FS2020 come evenly from all three platforms X‐
Plane, Prepar3D, as well as previous versions of the Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Last year 48%, 15% and 23% were “Very Likely”, “Likely”, or could “Possibly” imagine
themselves change to Microsoft FS2020. According to this year’s survey, only 33% actually
changed.
16.3% own an Xbox console.
18.3% own a VR headset.
o 50% sometimes suffer from motion sickness.
Aircraft is the most important type of addon software.
Video reviews and tutorials are the most influential factors when deciding to purchase an
addon.
Jeppesen are the most well‐known and preferred charts format.
Simbrief is the most preferred flight planning software/service.
Avsim.com, FlightSim.com and FSElite.net are popular media outlets.
YouTube is the most popular video platform.
7.5% have paid for flightsim related video content this year.
40.1% of the respondents took the survey last year.
A majority of the respondents understood all of the questions in the survey; are excited to
see the results; and will take the survey again next year.
4.3 Discussion
4.3.1. Simulation Platform Popularity
As seen below in last year’s diagram, the most popular flight simulator among 2019 survey
respondents was Laminar Research’s X‐Plane 11. However, Lockheed Martin’s Prepar3D v4 had a
larger following of loyal users who claimed to fly the simulator “Most of the time”. For all practical
purposes, one could say it was a tie.
116
As seen in this year’s diagram below, X‐Plane continues to be popular, with similar numbers, albeit
with a slightly lower number of loyal users. Prepar3D is also popular, although the users seem to be
spread out over the two most recent versions.
The most popular flight simulation platform among survey respondents 2020 is the newly released
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.
Keep in mind that Prepar3D v5 was released on April 14, the Microsoft Flight Simulator on August 18
and X‐plane 11.50 on September 9. None of the simulators have been published for a full year, and
are in various stages of maturity, adoption and completeness.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Microsoft FS 2002
Microsoft FS 2004
Microsoft FSX
Microsoft Flight
Dovetail Microsoft FSX: Steam Edition
Laminar Research X‐Plane 10
Laminar Research X‐Plane 11
Laminar Research X‐Plane Mobile
Lockheed Martin Prepar3d v1
Lockheed Martin Prepar3d v2
Lockheed Martin Prepar3d v3
Lockheed Martin Prepar3d v4
Infinite Flight
Rortos
FlightGear
AeroFly FS 2
Aerowinx
Falcon 4.0. BMS
DCS World
GeoFS
How often do you fly any of the following flight simulator software? (2019)
Most of the time Frequently Sometimes Infrequently Never
117
In the analysis above, the major desktop simulator software are represented by their respective
versions. As some respondents may be using multiple versions of the same desktop simulator
software, or may be transitioning between such versions, it could be relevant to group these desktop
simulators versions into one. In the following graph we have considered all positive use responses
(from “Infrequently” to “Most of the time”) for each simulator version by each respondent, and
grouped them into the same graph. This graph is more telling of the popularity of the simulator
software platform as such. In this analysis we have grouped Laminar Research X‐Plane 10, 11 and
11.50; Lockheed Martin Prepar3d v1‐5; and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2002, 2004/FS9, FSX, FSX
Steam. We have not grouped the latest Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 with the previous versions
from Microsoft to be able to compare it with the others.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Microsoft FS 2002
Microsoft FS 2004
Microsoft FSX
Microsoft FS 2020
Dovetail Microsoft FSX: Steam Edition
Laminar Research X‐Plane 10
Laminar Research X‐Plane 11.0 ‐ 11.41
Laminar Research X‐Plane 11.50 +
Laminar Research X‐Plane Mobile
Lockheed Martin Prepar3d v1
Lockheed Martin Prepar3d v2
Lockheed Martin Prepar3d v3
Lockheed Martin Prepar3d v4
Lockheed Martin Prepar3d v5
Infinite Flight
Rortos
FlightGear
AeroFly FS 2
Aerowinx
Falcon 4.0. BMS
DCS World
GeoFS
How often do you fly any of the following flight simulator software?
Most of the time Frequently Sometimes Infrequently Never
118
In this diagram we can see that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is reported to be used to some
degree (at least “Infrequently”) by 60.4% of the respondents, compared to 50.6% for Laminar
Research’s X‐Plane, 44.8% for Lockheed Martin’s Prepar3D and 38.1% by the earlier versions of
Microsoft Flight Simulator.
4.3.2. Follow Up on 2019’s Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 Release Anticipation
Last year, 48% of the respondents stated that they were “Very Likely” to buy the Microsoft Flight
Simulator 2020 as it became available. 15% and 23% replied “Likely” and “Possibly”, respectively. In
this year’s survey, however, we see that only 32.9% have switched primary flight simulation software
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (3.10.2. Simulator Software Change). At first glance, 32.9% is less
than 48% and thus one is prone to conclude that Microsoft Flight Simulator did not become as
popular as predicted. However, there are other possible arguments why we should be careful
drawing such a conclusion.
For example, last year’s question was about the likelihood of purchasing the flight simulator. This
year’s question was about whether respondents have switched primary flight simulation software. It
may be that a respondent actually did buy a copy of the Microsoft Flight Simulator, like stated last
year, but still have not started making it the primary simulator software. When asked how often the
respondents fly a particular flight simulator software, 27% say “Most of the time”, but 34% fly less
frequently (3.10.1. Simulator Software). It is probably among these 34% we find the pilots have not
made the Microsoft Flight Simulator into their primary flight simulation software yet.
As mentioned earlier, simulators are in various state of maturity and completeness, and perhaps the
areas which a respondent finds important were not fully developed yet. One such area is the
selection of high‐realism (a.k.a “study level”) airliners. This is one possible interpretation which could
explain why some of the 11.1% of X‐Plane users claim to have changed from Microsoft Flight
Simulator 2020 ‐ presumably back to X‐Plane 11 again (3.10.2. Simulator Software Change).
4.3.3. Spending
Placing the cumulative spending diagrams for hardware and software from 2019 and 2020 on top of
each other tells a much clearer story. This year respondents are have spent more on hardware,
regardless of the amount (orange graph). To interpret software spending (blue graph), we have to
look closer. This year fewer respondents have spent higher amounts, i.e. more than $500, on
software compared to last year. A plausible reason for this may be that there is not as many software
titles available on the new simulator platforms yet, compared to the earlier simulation platforms.
60.4%
38.1%
44.8%
50.6%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
Microsoft FS 2020
Microsoft FS2002, 2004, FSX, FSX Steam
Lockheed Martin Prepar3d v1‐5
Laminar Research X‐Plane 10, 11, 11.50
How often do you fly any of the following flight simulator software?
119
Why are respondents spending more on hardware in 2020 compared to 2019? We hypothesize that
respondents have upgraded their simulator setups, as required (or inspired) by the new flight
simulator software releases this year, but this survey don’t have the data to support such an analysis.
4.3.4. Covid‐19 Effects
The survey team discussed at length whether or not to include questions on the ongoing pandemic.
Would the questions be perceived as prying or insensitive? Would the insights from such questions
be of any use to the community? We have reasoned like this: Looking back on the year that passed,
we may want to be able to explain some effects that can be attributed to Covid‐19. Looking forward,
the pandemic is not over and its effects will be seen over years to come. In the present, readers will
wonder why we have omitted one of the most dominating events of the year, would we have
excluded these questions altogether.
It seems like the majority spend equal (45.0%) or more (43.0%) time on flight simulation because of
Covid‐19 (3.7.4. Covid‐19). When comparing the usage diagrams between years to confirm this trend,
we see that the shape of the distribution is similar, but this year fewer respondents claim to fly 10 or
more times per week, and more respondents fly 1‐3 times per week. It may not be the frequency
that has increased, but the duration. A typical session this year seems to be 2‐3 hours (3.7.2. Usage).
Unfortunately the question concerning session length was redesign for this year which gives us
limited possibilities to compare to last year, but 5‐10 hours per week over 2‐3 times per week
roughly gives the same average session length. Thus it is not clear to say that respondents actually
spend more time on flight simulation, however, they may very well feel like they do.
Again, hypothesizing that respondents spend more time at home due to Covid‐19 lockdown, we
wanted to ask if Covid‐19 was the reason why they might have picked up their hobby of flight
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Amount (USD)
How much do you estimate you have spent on flight simulation hardware and software in the past 12
months (cumulative)?
Software 2020 Software 2019 Hardware 2020 Hardware 2019
120
simming again. However, there may be different reasons for returning and comparing seemingly
different reasons is not easy. That’s why we started with a simple Yes (50.6%) / No (49.6%) question
(3.7.3. Returning to Flight Simulation). Among the ones that stated that they had returned to flight
simulation during 2020, we then tested if the reason was any new simulator: the new Microsoft
Flight Simulator (56.9%), the new version of Prepar3D (6.8%), or X‐plane 11.50 (13.5%). There was a
relatively large portion of respondents that stated some Other (22.7%) reason. 8% who stated
“Other” referenced Covid‐19.
We also asked, rather straightforwardly, if respondents’ employment situation has changed during
the past year as a consequence of Covid‐19, reasoning that a change in time and income might have
an effect on both future usage and consumption. 13.9% report having changes in employment
situation due to Covid‐19. 4.8% prefer not to say, which is understandable with such a direct
question early in the survey. In this context we must also admit a design flaw. This question was
presented to all respondents, also those who in the previous question stated to be students, in
school, retired, or not currently employed. This probably contributed erroneously to the 81.3% who
stated that their employment situation had not changed.
4.3.5. Console, Gaming & Gamification
Since Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 will become available on Xbox it is interesting to follow how
many respondents that own a console. Both this year and last year the console penetration among
respondents is about 16%, but we expect this number to go up as more and more console owners
join the flight simulation community and participate in this survey.
As more console users join the flight simulation community we hypothesize changes in how the
simulator is used and the type of users it attracts.
We think that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 for Xbox will serve as a recruitment platform that can
grow the flight simulation community. A casual gamer might grow interested in aviation and
eventually learn to pilot more advanced aircraft. In doing so, controlling the aircraft will require more
than just a gamepad controller and a more elaborate setup will be required. The game design
challenge is, of course, to hook users with an appealing gaming adventure, and reel them in with a
realistic, challenging, and rewarding experience to trigger the users’ will to explore aviation and learn
how to fly.
A gamepad controller is a different, some may say a limited, interaction interface compared to using
typical simulator peripherals such as yoke and pedals, not to mention the flexibility keyboard
commands afford on a computer. Will the gamepad controller bring about simplifications in the
game design that potentially reduce the complexity and realism of piloting an aircraft? If so, at what
point is the flight simulator perceived as “just a game”? Being just a game is fine, but a simulator has
no finite set of objectives to complete and allows for a more flexible user experience. As such the
game can entertain, but a simulator can also satiate curiosity and give experiences like a training
platform.
We hypothesize that the typical console user prefers easier forgiving flight controls with an
entertaining adventure experience rather than seeking the full realism of a simulator. 55.3% of
respondents from the current flight simulation community state that the main reason for flight
simulation is “Curiosity/Interest in Aviation” while 19.6% claim “Casual Gaming/Entertainment”
(3.7.7. Purpose). 32.3% of the respondents say they would do more quick and casual flights on Xbox,
but 58.4% would likely fly the exact same way as they do on a desktop (3.10.10. Console Activity).
121
25.2% say they are fine with a gamepad controller but 67.8% of respondents want to connect a yoke
and pedals to a console (3.10.11. Console Controller).
We think we will see these numbers change in next year’s survey as the composition of the flight
simulation community changes with the launch of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 for Xbox.
On the topic user groups it would also be interesting to correlate these results with questions on
VFR/IFR/casual flying preference (3.7.8. Flight Rules), aircraft preference (3.7.1. Aircraft Types), and
mobile platforms (3.5. Simulator Habits ‐ Mobile and 3.10.3. Computer) to see how sentiments on
gaming changes with flight rules, general aviation versus airliners, and the type of interface a user is
familiar with.
Furthermore, while being on the subject of game versus simulator, there is also a parallel discussion
in the other direction. Instead of discussing how a game can turn into a simulator, we are now
discussing how a simulator can be gamified. What do pilots think about the introduction of
gamification elements in aviation training? 12% “Strongly agree” and 27.7% “Agree” that it would be
a good idea to add badges to indicate how well one is flying. The sentiment is roughly the same for a
score (3.18.3. Gamification).
4.4. Survey Meta Analysis
Our work with conditional questions seems to have paid off. Despite the increase from 93 to 119
questions in this year’s survey, respondents were not presented with all 119 of them due to our
conditional questions. Subsequently 60% “Disagree” or “Strongly Disagree” that they needed to take
a break during the survey. 80% will take the survey again next year, and 80% are excited to see the
results.
5. Future Work
This year we are publishing the raw survey data for anyone who wishes to do continued analysis of
the responses. The data is anonymous and we have removed all free text as we currently have no
way of ensuring that this data does not contain personally identifiable information.
Our ideas some ideas for continued analysis and future work is mainly about correlating response
data:
Correlate flight rule preference (3.7.8. Flight Rules), with aircraft preference (3.7.1. Aircraft
Types), purpose (3.7.7. Purpose), and mobile platforms (3.5. Simulator Habits ‐ Mobile and
3.10.3. Computer) to see if IFR pilots prefer a more complex interface than a gamepad
controller or if mobile interfaces are indeed sufficient to fly airliners.
Investigate which type of respondents that prefer which type of flight simulation platform
(3.10.1. Simulator Software).
Correlate country (3.2.5. Country) and age (3.2.1. Age) with spending (3.8.1. Software
Expenses, 3.8.2. Hardware Expenses) to see which nationality and age group that spend the
least/most. Sentiments on Freeware vs Payware could be interesting too (3.8.4. Freeware
Versus Payware).
If you decide download the data and want to share any of your analyses, please post them on social
media using #flightsimsurveyanalysis and we will be happy to repost them.
![INDEX [] · INDEX: Welcome & Intro: ... (23%) and V.A. Investor (JetBlue Airways) ... Flyaway, Avsim, Flightsim, Freeware Sceneries,](https://img.pdfslide.net/doc/110x75/5b58bac27f8b9a4e1b8c5c6e/index-index-welcome-intro-23-and-va-investor-jetblue-airways.jpg)
